Hard Cider Explained

Whether you're looking to build out your beverage selection or want to offer guests a gluten-free alternative to beer, hard cider is an excellent addition to your menu. Hard cider features a different flavor profile than many types of beer and is especially popular during the fall. We'll introduce what hard cider is, how you can make it, and the different types of cider to choose from below.

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What Is Hard Cider?

glasses of hard cider next to apples

Hard cider, sometimes called hard apple cider or just cider, is an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice. Though you can make hard cider from all kinds of apples, cider apples are recognized as the best choice. While you can enjoy the drink year-round, it is most popular during the late summer and fall months.

Hard cider has a rich history and cultural significance in many countries including Europe and America. In fact, it has been enjoyed for centuries and is deeply ingrained in the traditions of countries like England, France, and Spain. The production methods and flavor profiles can vary greatly depending on the region, resulting in a wide range of cider styles to explore.

Is Hard Cider Alcoholic?

Hard cider is an alcoholic drink, but its alcohol content can vary depending on the type of cider you choose, the production process, and even the brand that made it.

Hard Cider Alcohol Content

On average, most hard ciders are 4.5% - 7% alcohol by volume (ABV), while some ciders have an ABV as high as 10% or 12%. Drier ciders usually have a higher ABV because the yeast consumes a majority of the cider's natural sugars.

Types of Hard Cider

hard cider in glass with three glasses of beer on a wooden paddle behind it

There are three main types of hard cider, each appealing to individuals with different palettes. The key distinction between them is their level of sweetness, and most can be purchased still or carbonated. We've outlined the most popular types of hard cider below:

  • Dry cider: These types of cider are typically the most acidic and contain less than 0.5% residual sugar. This less-sweet drink also contains a higher alcohol content than other ciders. Most dry ciders are aged in oak barrels to complement their mineral qualities.
  • Off-dry cider: These ciders have a smooth texture and a rich, sweet flavor. They have slightly more body than other types of cider and typically contain 1% - 2% residual sugar.
  • Semi-dry and semi-sweet: These two ciders are classified together because they share many characteristics. They feature pronounced apple flavors and have heartier bodies than their counterparts. Semi-dry ciders contain above 2% residual sugar, while semi-sweet ciders can carry as much as 4%.

How to Make Hard Cider

We've included a list of instructions to walk you through the process of making hard cider below:

Hard Cider Ingredients

  • 2 gallon fresh-pressed apple juice
  • 1/2 packet yeast
  • (Optional) Sugar

Hard Cider Equipment

  • Fermentation containers
  • Rubber stopper
  • Air lock
  • Bottles and caps

Hard Cider Recipe

To make hard cider, follow these steps:

  1. Fill the fermenting bucket or glass jug with apple juice.
  2. Add yeast to the juice to begin the fermentation process. Seal the container using the rubber stopper and airlock.
  3. Allow the mixture to ferment. This can take up to two weeks depending on your desired dryness.
  4. Let the mixture sit for up to a week, letting the yeast settle.
  5. Rack the cider into a sanitized vessel with no headspace.
  6. (Optional) Add gelatin or pectic enzyme to bind and break down undesired proteins.
  7. (Optional) Add sugar to increase the sweetness of the beverage.
  8. Disperse the cider into bottles.

Best Yeast for Cider

White wine yeast and champagne yeast are the two most popular options for making hard cider. Yeast is a microorganism that plays a vital role in fermentation, converting the sugars present in the liquid into alcohol. The type of yeast you use can impact the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of your cider.

  • White wine yeast: This type of yeast is a versatile option that can enhance the fruity flavors in your cider. It is also known for its ability to ferment at cooler temperatures.
  • Champagne yeast: This type of yeast can tolerate high alcohol levels. It is often used in sparkling wines and can give your cider a crisp and effervescent quality.

Best Hard Cider

There are many hard ciders to try, and we'll take you through some fan-favorite hard cider brands below:

  • Stella Artois Cidre (Baldwinsville, New York) 4.5% ABV
  • Blake's Hard Cider Co. Triple Jam (Armada, MI) 6.5% ABV
  • Magners Irish Pear Cider (Clonmel, IE) 4.5% ABV
  • Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider (Middlebury, VT) 5% ABV
  • ACE Apple Cider (Sonoma County, CA) 5% ABV
  • Samuel Smith's Organic Cider (Yorkshire, ENG) 5% ABV

Best Hard Cider for Fall

If you're looking for some excellent beverages to try during fall, explore these hard ciders:

  • Cigar City Cider & Mead Homemade Apple Pie (Tampa, FL) 5.5% ABV
  • Wyndridge Farm Cranberry Cider (York, PA) 5.5% ABV
  • Harpoon Brewery Pumpkin Cider (Boston, MA) 4.8% ABV
  • Seattle Cider Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider (Seattle, WA) 6.9% ABV
  • Woodchuck Fall Harvest Hard Cider (Middlebury, VT) 5% ABV
  • Strongbow Cider Artisanal Blend (Herefordshire, UK) 6% ABV

Hard Cider FAQ

If you're new to hard cider, there is much to learn. We'll answer some common questions about the topic below:

Is Hard Cider Gluten Free?

Most hard ciders are gluten free. While some yeasts can contain gluten, the yeasts used in the hard cider fermentation process is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the ingredients in your hard cider to ensure there are no additives that may contain gluten.

Is Hard Cider Beer?

hard cider press with red detailing

Although it can be found on beer lists, hard cider is not considered beer. The only quality the two drinks have in common is that they are fermented beverages. Beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage that's brewed from malt and flavored with hops, while cider is an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit juice, typically from apples. The fact that cider contains no malt or hops makes these two beverages unique.

It's important to note that hopped ciders are becoming trendy in bars and on beer lists. These ciders contain hop flavors and aromas usually found in beer but are still not brewed with malt, making them a gluten-free beer substitute. Like hard seltzer, hard ciders provide a lighter alternative to beer on a bar menu.

How to Store Hard Cider

Since hard cider is fermented, it doesn't have to be refrigerated once it is bottled or canned. However, there are a few guidelines to ensure that your hard cider stays fresh and delicious.

  • The ideal storage temperature for hard cider is between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a cellar or a cool basement, these are great places to store your cider. The consistent temperature and darkness will help maintain the flavor profile.
  • Hard cider cans should be stored upright or on their sides. This helps distribute the yeast evenly throughout the cider, ensuring a consistent flavor.
  • Never let your hard cider freeze, as this can kill yeast and alter the flavor of your cider.
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Hard cider is an increasingly popular alcoholic beverage and an excellent alternative to beer or for those following a gluten-free diet. Enjoy this drink year-round as a seasonal fall or winter alcoholic choice or as a cool refresher in the spring and summertime.

Posted in: Bars & Breweries|By Hannah Herrera
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